Students will obtain a comprehensive knowledge of materials science, physics and numerical methods. In particular, successful students will develop a profound knowledge and practical experience in applying advanced numerical and experimental methods on all the length and time scales that are relevant for materials. Thus, the Master's course of study will prepare excellent young scientists for successful careers in industry and academia. The curriculum was set up and will be continuously revised in coordination with the ICAMS partners, ensuring the maintenance of the programme's high standards in meeting the demands of current and future developments in research and industry.
Throughout this course, students acquire a basic knowledge in advanced experimental and numerical methods in materials science and engineering. In fundamental and advanced option lectures, the students can widen their outlook and deepen their basic knowledge on current challenges in materials sciences. They also have the possibility to gain practical experience by participating in research projects. Thus, they will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art numerical and experimental methods and develop the competences and skills required for problem solving.
Course organisation
The two-year, four-semester programme comprises compulsory, optional and non-technical modules, a research project and a Master's thesis imparting a thorough, science-based understanding of the behaviour of engineering materials of all kinds.
The first semester is dedicated to fundamentals from programming, materials physics and materials engineering. In the materials modelling lab, students can gain a first insight into materials modelling techniques on various length scales, which will serve as a basis of their future specialisation.
In the second semester, a lecture on numerical methods complements the theoretical basis of the previous modules. From now on, students can begin with their specialisation by choosing lectures of their interest from the fundamental and advanced option modules. This is continued in the third semester, in which students also do a short research project.
Throughout the course, students attend lectures in professional key competences (soft skills) including lectures on documenting and communicating science.
In the final semester, students prepare their Master's theses. Supported by mentors, they work on a scientific project and compile their research results in a final report.
It is not obligatory to do an internship, but it is possible to integrate it in the third semester of study.
Students have the opportunity to apply for an exchange programme via the RUB Outbound Mobility Services. The programme helps students conduct short-term research at a partner university abroad, do e.g. lab, and research internships, research in archives, libraries and university collections, collaboration in research projects, etc.
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
Yes
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
A Bachelor's (BSc) or comparable degree in one of the following or related disciplines: materials science, mechanical engineering, physics, chemical engineering, chemistry, or nanotechnology
Adequate English language skills
Academic achievements must be verified in these or comparable subjects: material sciences, solid-state physics, physical chemistry or related subjects and in mathematics, numerical mathematics advanced programming language or other comparable subjects. For further details, please see the programme's website.
Students who have failed to pass any degree in the above-mentioned disciplines cannot apply for the Master's programme.
The examination board of the Master's course is entitled to raise further requirements in individual cases.
German language skills
No minimum language level required
English language skills
B2 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:
PTE Academic: 59
TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 72
Reading: 18
Listening: 17
Speaking: 20
Writing: 17
IELTS Academic: 6
Language requirements exemptions
Please find details on the course website.
Application periods
Non-EU applicants: 15 March and 15 June for the following winter semester (We offer two deadlines with regard to different visa procedures.)
EU applicants: 15 September for the following winter semester
In the city of Bochum, you can find different types of accommodation. On average, students in Bochum pay approximately 400 to 800 EUR per month for a single apartment, which is below the average rent in Germany. A room in a shared apartment is usually less expensive.
About 5,000 students in Bochum live in multiple student halls close to the campus, which are run by the Akademisches Förderungswerk (AKAFÖ). In the halls, each student has a single room and shares a kitchen and bathroom with other students, rents an apartment with a private bathroom and kitchen, or shares an apartment with one or several flatmates.
Events & workshops: From networking events to online seminars – learn the best tips from career experts and meet start-ups from the region.
Digital Career Guide: The Moodle course “Career Service for International Students” prepares you for starting a job in Germany.
FIT4Job – Mentoring for Internationals: RUB alumni share their professional expertise and good practices 1:1 with you.
Counselling services: Identify your talents and career goals in a personal counselling session. Our RUB Career Service team provides support in preparing application documents and interviews.
Further information: RUB Career Service, RUB CrossING
Support for international students and doctoral candidates
Welcome event
Specialist counselling
Visa matters
Tutors
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates
The International Office supports students right from the start:
International Welcome programme with online sessions prior to students’ arrival and a series of welcome events to facilitate students’ integration into their new environment
For those enrolled in English-taught Master’s programmes, a specialised onboarding programme is available which includes a German language course.
Info sessions throughout the semester on administrative matters
Regular office hours for individual consultation
A variety of events to engage international students and enrich their academic experience
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